Berkshire Growth Hub were excited to work with Lucy Alexandra Spencer, a former teacher, who ventured into the realm of private tutoring with a clear mission in mind — to create a lasting impact on education and empower students through 1-2-1 learning.
In January 2016, Lucy began her journey as a private tutor, seeking to make a difference outside the traditional classroom setting. As Education Boutique in Bracknell started gaining momentum, Lucy faced a significant hurdle: efficiently resourcing a growing number of learners and educators to meet the demand for their services. The challenge was to win major contracts and promptly find the right educators to fulfil them.
Recognising the need for strategic and financial guidance, Lucy connected with the Berkshire Growth Hub. Over weeks of engagement, the Growth Hub provided invaluable tools and expert guidance with the aim to transform Education Boutique from a small business to a medium-sized one. The Growth Hub ensured that throughout its support, Lucy’s vision of using her business as a platform to drive change and innovation in education was met.
Identifying the critical need to build a comprehensive pool of tutors, Education Boutique strategically recruited and expanded its team. This move propelled the business to new heights, enabling Lucy to secure significant contracts and subsequently boost the organisation’s growth and impact – she envisions a future where the company continues to shape the landscape of education, fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for all.
This great partnership between Education Boutique and Berkshire Growth Hub underscores the importance of recognising and addressing challenges early on, seeking guidance from the Berkshire Growth Hub, and constantly evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. The success of Education Boutique demonstrates that with the right vision, determination, and strategic partnerships, any business can overcome obstacles and make a lasting impact on society.
Tony Cross, one of the Growth Hub’s business advisers who assisted Lucy, says: “It was clear from day 1 that Lucy had something special to offer the world of private tuition. She also saw her challenge clearly, moving from a highly successful micro business with her as a tutor, to rolling out her ambition to create a network of great tutors delivering services in her image. Questions about funding options and leading a company were prevalent and Lucy was keen to develop these new skills. I could not have been more delighted to see her take the right decisions and flourish. She also proved during lockdown, she was able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances that quickly produced new markets, but also brought new competition.”
Amid the global pandemic, Education Boutique adapted swiftly, transitioning from one-on-one sessions to online webinars, reaching thousands of students. This digital pivot showcased resilience and opened up new opportunities for the business to connect with a broader audience. Lucy’s dedication and innovative approach earned her the title of Female Entrepreneur of The Year at the Thames Valley Community and Business Awards in 2021. Subsequently, Eteach, an education recruitment software company in Bracknell, recognised the potential of Education Boutique and acquired it into their Group operations.
Today, Education Boutique stands as an educational empire with an impressive network of 30,000 tutors. This vast network allows it to swiftly fulfil tutoring positions, further fuelling its growth. What started as a focus on the parent market has evolved into a business primarily funded by local authorities and schools, targeting a crucial niche – supporting and enabling Special Educational Needs (SEN) learners to be reintegrated back into suitable education sectors. Lucy’s journey with Education Boutique exemplifies the power of strategic planning, perseverance, and seeking the right support.
With the aim of achieving a turnover exceeding £10million and becoming a medium-sized business within the next 24 months, Education Boutique is actively working towards solidifying its position as a major player in the education sector. Lucy’s journey with Education Boutique exemplifies the power of strategic planning, perseverance, and seeking the right support. It underscores the importance of recognising and addressing challenges early on, seeking guidance from the Berkshire Growth Hub, and constantly evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. The success of Education Boutique demonstrates that with the right vision, determination, and strategic partnerships, any business can overcome obstacles and make a lasting impact on society.
For more information on how the Berkshire Growth Hub team can help support your business, through masterclasses or one to one support, please contact them here.
